Much of this year's CTIA revolved around the increasingly location-based social culture of the Millennial Generation. But LBS is finding its way into other walks of life, from bird-watching to emergency management.

Unlike the current system, which is designed for telephone technology only, NG 9-1-1 "calls" can contain video, voice, images, and data from a variety of devices. NG 9-1-1 also easily enables PSAPs to move capacity to other dispatch centers.

The volume of new GPS personal navigation devices shown at CES begs the question of market: Will handset-based navigation replace PNDs?

Working Indoor Location Up and Down
A new approach to the indoor location challenge uses a Bluetooth-equipped phone, or other device, to communicate with Bluetooth location tags — small modules installed within buildings. A major advantage is that this method provides the elusive z-axis: altitude.

EU's eCall System Gains Speed
Implementing an accident-triggered call system that comprises every new vehicle in the European Union is an impressive goal — but it depends on successfully instituting 112 as the EU's universal emergency number.

Rabbit Ears, Anyone?
Rosum Corporation seems to be well positioned (one leg up, perhaps) with its technology that utilizes broadcast television signals for position location.

FCC Bolsters E911 Standards
The FCC chose September 11 for its vote on an order to strengthen E911 location standards. The new order will require wireless carriers to test and comply with E911 location accuracy standards within a smaller geographic area: the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).

At the Intersection of GPS and DSRC
In June I wrote about telecom ignoring vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to- infrastructure communication efforts. Of course, as the winds of fate have my name and Social Security Number, one company made an interesting announcement just as my finger left the Send button.

Location Accuracy for E911
Will there be tighter standards for E911 location accuracy? The FCC is about to nail down remaining issues.